Sir Alex Ferguson ripped into former Man Utd star for what he allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to do

Sir Alex Ferguson lectured a former Manchester United player over a perceived lack of mentality during a situation with Cristiano Ronaldo.

There are a number of examples where Ferguson dished out his infamous "hairdryer treatment", with the likes of David Beckham and Wayne Rooney among the high-profile stars on the receiving end of the rants.

However, a lesser known story saw Ferguson lay into Robbie Brady, who joined United just after his 16th birthday and played for the youth team and reserves.

But early into his time with the Red Devils, Ferguson took issue with Brady's reaction an incident with Ronaldo at the Carrington training ground.

According to the Irish Times, the Irishman was in the queue in the club's canteen when Ronaldo cut in front of him.

A young Brady did not bat an eyelid and instead let the Portuguese superstar go in front without any fuss.

However, the story goes that Ferguson, who was watching closely, felt as though Brady should have told Ronaldo where to go and stood up to him given his intention was to take his place in the team.

“I invited him to join the queue in front of me, and thought no more of it," Brady said, as per the Daily Star.

Robbie Brady made just one appearance for Manchester United's first-team. Image: Getty

According to Brady, Ferguson told Brady, “'I want you to think you’re better than him. I want you to believe that you can take his place in the team. I don’t want you to be subservient to him, don’t do it again.'"

Years later, in 2015, Brady admitted that he was starstruck when he rubbed shoulders with so many household names at United and that meant he was in his own shell for a period.

“When I went over, it was the biggest club in the world,” Brady explained.

“I was still in awe and maybe it took me a little while to get what it really took.

“I think my time at United and then my loan spells at Hull helped me mature, to grow up and get my head around what it took. I always wanted to play at the highest level but it took getting that in your mind, and knowing what it takes was a big thing. But I feel on the road now and I know what I want and I’m setting goals for myself and hopefully I can keep on going.”

Brady made just one appearance for United and was loaned out to Hull City, who he then signed for permanently. He later turned out for Norwich and Burnley in the Premier League before representing Bournemouth and current club Preston in the Championship.

He was given a valuable lesson by Ferguson, who imparted his wisdom on him during the brief time spent together at Old Trafford.

"What a massive figure he is in football and to take anything I could off him was massive for me," Brady continued.

"It was just bits and pieces towards the latter stages when I had a little bit more time spent with him."